Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Here we go again












Once again, my night was filled with things that I want to forget. At least the ambien did it's job and I slept. I still don't know if not waking up through a nightmare is a good thing or not. I don't feel as tired this morning (now that my heart has stopped racing and the sweat is going away after sitting in front of my fan), but when you don't wake up, you have to have the entire nightmare.

I would covet your prayers during this weird time in my sleeping (or not sleeping) cycle. I wears on a man.

I guess I will go ahead and get up. Might as well work the stage and get it ready for Sunday.

Later...

1 comment:

Cindy said...

Hey, Louis!

I have had long periods before filled with such vivid nightmares that I actually began dreading bedtime, so I can sympathize. I hope you're doing better, but just in case I thought I'd send some quick tips your way (you've most likely seen these by now, but you may find something new in here).

In addition to the ones listed below, you may also want to read an article I found in Psychology Today - it's pretty interesting. You can access it at http://www.psychologytoday.com/conditions/nightmare.html

1. Prepare for bedtime- It is important that you help your body and mind prepare for bedtime. You want to relax and get in the mood for sleeping soundly. You can do this by reading, drinking herbal tea, meditating or praying or taking a hot bath. Anything that is soothing to you can help you prepare.

2. Avoid watching news, scary movies and other graphic violence or reading graphic books before bed.

3. Clear your mind from problems and worries. One way to do this if you can't get worries off your mind is to make a list and resolve to look at it in the morning.

4. Avoid eating anything heavy, fattening or greasy right before bed.

5. Have a light snack or a glass of milk before bed. This can help calm you.

6. Avoid smoking and caffeine before bed. Nicotine is often linked to sleep disorders and insomnia or bad dreams.

7. Avoid caffeine before bed, preferably for a few hours before you plan to go to sleep.

8. Have a friend or family member that you can talk to about your fears or anxieties. Many nightmares are caused by trauma or stress.

9. Keep a dream journal and write down bad dreams as soon as you wake up. You can read them later and try to determine what might be causing them.

Cindy (a.k.a. Mike's mom)